Remuda Ranch

Art Therapy Overview

“Communication is not always verbal; it can and does take many forms. Often, highly charged emotions or thoughts are best expressed through paint or clay.” Jennifer Williamson, Primary Therapist at Remuda Ranch

Throughout the ages, art has served as a medium of expression. Only in recent years have we discovered the incredible therapeutic value to be found in art. Especially with women and girls afflicted with anorexia or bulimia. Frequently, the eating disorder has rendered our patients incapable of not only understanding their own feelings, but powerless to express their thoughts in words. When these very same patients select a color of paint, or place their hands on a formless lump of clay, they often tap into a source of deep feelings they very possibly never knew existed.

Art therapy is typically done in groups, with occasional one-on-one sessions. At the outset, patients are given an assignment that in an indirect way asks them to explore an emotion or eating disorder concept. The patient is then asked to express this concept or feeling using the creative process.

Remuda therapists always stress that there is no such thing as good or bad art. No one is ever judged on artistic skill and the art is never about creating a museum-worthy piece. Instead, it is really about the thoughts and feelings patients have when working on the piece and how those are expressed in the final product. Indeed, the art eventually serves as a teaching tool for the patient as well as the rest of the group.

When considering the art, patients are encouraged to feel, experience, then express the relevant emotion. Often this is not easy, yet remains an extremely important aspect of the healing process. By allowing patients to experience and “survive” emotion, they gain confidence in their ability to cope. Patients discover they don’t have to remain “victims” of their emotions.

At Remuda Ranch, our professional staff utilizes every possible form of therapy to help our patients heal. In art therapy, we combine the beauty and diversity of God’s world with the creativity of His children to effect positive, and hopefully permanent, change.

For additional information about Remuda Programs, please call 1-800-445-1900 today.